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2023-03-31-accounts

Registered number: 11281935 Charity number: 1178712

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

UNAUDITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustees' report 2 - 5
Independent examiner's report 6 - 7
Statement of financial activities 8
Balance sheet 9 - 10
Notes to the financial statements 11 - 22

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Trustees P G Warburton
Dr J-L Sebagh
M E F John
S E Warburton
Company registered
number
11281935
Charity registered
number
1178712
Registered office
13 Harley Street
London
W1G 9QG
Accountants
Venthams
Chartered Accountants
Millhouse
32 - 38 East Street
Rochford
Essex
SS4 1DB

Page 1

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year to 31 March 2023.The Annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Since the charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.

Objectives and activities

a. Policies and objectives

To advance the education of the public, in particular but not exclusively in the history of the second world war and the Battle of Britain and the Royal Air Force, by the establishment and maintenance of a museum and associated collections and such other means as the trustees shall in their discretion determine; and to further any other purpose that is charitable under the law of England and Wales as the trustees shall in their absolute discretion determine.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.

b. Strategies for achieving objectives

The charity will continue to raise funds to further its objectives.

c. Grant-making policies

The Trustees of the charity review applications for grants to evaluate their suitability. Grants will be made if they will assist in achieving its objectives.

d. Volunteers

There are no voluntary workers.

e. Main activities undertaken to further the charity's purposes for the public benefit

Funds are raised through the charity’s contacts and through fund raising activities.

Page 2

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Achievements and performance

a. Main achievements of the charity

The Charity continues to develop plans to achieve its aims and objectives. Support has been given in the field of education, and donations have continued to be made to Charities connected to veterans of the second world war and to retired service animals.

b. Key performance indicators

The charity achieved an income for the year of £99,367 (2022: £255,277) and a surplus of £9,038 (2022: £185,737).

c. Investment policy and performance

No funds have been invested.

Financial review

a. Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

b. Reserves policy

Sufficient reserves are maintained to continue the existing services provided by the charity and to develop and expand these activities for the future.

c. Principal risks and uncertainties

The principal risk faced by the charity is that donations will not cover expenditure.

d. Financial risk management objectives and policies

The principal risk is managed by ensuring that adequate donation and funding arrangements are actively pursued by the Trustees.

e. Principal funding

The principal funding is through donations.

Page 3

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Structure, governance and management

a. Constitution

The Mercury Foundation is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was incorporated on 28th March 2018.

b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees

The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association of the company.

c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies

The Trustees meet on a regular basis to ensure that the charity is managed efficiently.

d. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees

Trustees undergo orientation and are briefed on their legal obligations under Charity and Company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, business plan and recent financial performance of the charity.

e. Related party relationships

During the year cash donations were received of £75,893 (2022: £240,000) from related parties.

Plans for future periods

It is the intention to open a museum at the new offices of the company, where the Heritage Assets will be on display to the public. Artefacts and other memorabilia, relating to the first and second world wars, will also be on display.

Trustees' liability

The trustees of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up.

Page 4

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial . Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

P G Warburton

Date: 15 December 2023

Page 5

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The Mercury Foundation ('the charity')

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Page 6

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Signed: Stuart Harrison FCA

Dated: 19 December 2023

Venthams

Chartered Accountants Millhouse 32 - 38 East Street Rochford Essex SS4 1DB

Page 7

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Investments
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
99,248
119
99,367
90,329
90,329
9,038
2,394,346
9,038
2,403,384
Total
funds
2023
£
99,248
119
99,367
90,329
90,329
9,038
2,394,346
9,038
2,403,384
Total
funds
2022
£
255,277
-
255,277
69,540
69,540
185,737
2,208,609
185,737
2,394,346

Page 8

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
Heritage assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
13
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
14
Unrestricted funds
14
Total funds
4,658
26,607
31,265
(7,139)
2023
£
4,603
2,374,655
2,379,258
24,126
2,403,384
2,403,384
-
2,403,384
2,403,384
4,302
22,476
26,778
(4,036)
2022
£
5,315
2,366,289
2,371,604
22,742
2,394,346
2,394,346
-
2,394,346
2,394,346

Page 9

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

P G Warburton

Date: 15 December 2023

Page 10

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1. General information

The Mercury Foundation is a charity limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales. Its registered office is 13 Harley Street, London, W1G 9QG.

The objects of the charity are to advance the education of the history of the World War II through the provision of a museum and other means determined by the trustees.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The Mercury Foundation meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2.2 Going concern

Taking into account a period exceeding 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that it has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and for this reason will continue to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of its financial statements.

2.3 Income

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Where the donated good is a fixed asset, it is measured at fair value, unless it is impractical to measure this reliably, in which case the cost of the item to the donor should be used. The gain is recognised as income from donations and a corresponding amount is included in the appropriate fixed asset class and depreciated over the useful economic life in accordance with the charity's accounting policies.

On receipt, donated professional services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount it would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

Page 11

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.5 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Fixtures and fittings

15% reducing balance

Page 12

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

(A company limited by guarantee)

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.7 Heritage assets

Where heritage assets have been purchased, they are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, heritage assets are measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Where heritage assets have been donated, the initial valuation at fair value has been treated at deemed cost. After recognition, in this situation, the assets are measured at deemed cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

2.8 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.9 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.10 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

2.11 Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.12 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

Page 13

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

3. Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Donations
99,248
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Donations
255,277
Total
funds
2023
£
99,248
Total
funds
2022
£
255,277

Page 14

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4. Investment income

Unrestricted Total Total
funds funds funds
2023 2023 2022
£ £ £
Investment income - local cash 119 119 -

5. Analysis of grants

Grants, Education and awareness
Grants, Education and awareness
Grants to
Institutions
2023
£
28,250
Grants to
Institutions
2022
£
12,500
Grants to
Individuals
2023
£
19,695
Grants to
Individuals
2022
£
16,135
Total
funds
2023
£
47,945
Total
funds
2022
£
28,635

The charity has made the following material grants to institutions during the year:

Name of institution
The RAF Benevolent Fund
Pawsome Pensions
National Federation for Retired Service Animals
AKUT Search and Rescue Association
Thin Blue Paw
The Trussel Trust
Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity
Aspire
RAF Museum
2023
£
21,750
1,000
1,000
1,000
-
-
3,000
500
-
28,250
2022
£
8,500
-
-
-
1,000
2,000
-
-
1,000
12,500

Page 15

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

6. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Education and awareness
90,329
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Education and awareness
69,540
Total
2023
£
90,329
Total
2022
£
69,540

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Education and awareness
Education and awareness
Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
14,384
Activities
undertaken
directly
2022
£
14,480
Grant
funding of
activities
2023
£
47,945
Grant
funding of
activities
2022
£
28,635
Support
costs
2023
£
27,999
Support
costs
2022
£
26,425
Total
funds
2023
£
90,328
Total
funds
2022
£
69,540

Page 16

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

Depreciation
Property rent
Property rates
Depreciation
Property rent
Property rates
Education
and
awareness
2023
£
811
12,165
1,408
14,384
Education
and
awareness
2022
£
938
12,134
1,408
14,480
Total
funds
2023
£
811
12,165
1,408
14,384
Total
funds
2022
£
938
12,134
1,408
14,480

Analysis of support costs

Bank charges
Insurance
Governance costs
Education
and
awareness
2023
£
621
23,241
4,137
27,999
Total
funds
2023
£
621
23,241
4,137
27,999

Page 17

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs (continued)

Bank charges
Insurance
Governance costs
Education
and
awareness
2022
£
816
21,603
4,006
26,425
Total
funds
2022
£
816
21,603
4,006
26,425

8. Independent examiner's remuneration

2023 2022
£ £
Fees payable to the charity's independent examiner for the independent
examination of the charity's annual accounts 2,189 2,164
All other services not included above 1,837 1,842

9. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 31 March 2023, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2022 - £NIL) .

Page 18

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

10.
Tangible fixed assets
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2022
Additions
At 31 March 2023
Depreciation
At 1 April 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2023
Net book value
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2022
11.
Heritage assets
Assets recognised at cost
Carrying value at 1 April 2022
Additions
Heritage
assets
2023
£
2,366,289
8,366
2,374,655
Fixtures and
fittings
£
9,520
99
9,619
4,205
811
5,016
4,603
5,315
Total
2023
£
2,366,289
8,366
2,374,655

Page 19

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

11. Heritage assets (continued)

Analysis of heritage asset transactions

Purchases
Medals and Artwork - at cost
Donations
Medals and Artwork - at cost
Total additions
Disposals
Medals and Artwork - at cost
Total disposals
2023
£
8,366
-
8,366
-
-
2022
£
226,364
-
226,364
(692)
(692)
2021
£
61,325
-
61,325
-
-
2020
£
224,456
-
224,456
-
-
2019
£
354,563
1,500,273
1,854,836
-
-

Heritage assets consist of military medals, artwork and other artefacts related primarily but not exclusively to the Second World War. Assets are acquired at such a time that they become available at the appropriate price. A register of assets is maintained by the trustees. The assets are held at secure premises or in storage, as is deemed appropriate.

12. Debtors

Due within one year
Prepayments and accrued income
2023
£
4,658
4,658
2022
£
4,302
4,302

Page 20

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Accruals and deferred income
14.
Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
Unrestricted funds
General Fund
Statement of funds - prior year
Unrestricted funds
General Fund
Balance at 1
April 2022
£
2,394,346
Balance at
1 April 2021
£
2,208,609
Income
£
99,367
Income
£
255,277
2023
£
7,139
Expenditure
£
(90,329)
Expenditure
£
(69,540)
2022
£
4,036
Balance at
31 March
2023
£
2,403,384
Balance at
31 March
2022
£
2,394,346

Page 21

THE MERCURY FOUNDATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

15. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Tangible fixed assets
4,603
Heritage assets
2,374,655
Current assets
31,265
Creditors due within one year
(7,139)
Total
2,403,384
Total
funds
2023
£
4,603
2,374,655
31,265
(7,139)
2,403,384

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Heritage assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
5,315
2,366,289
26,778
(4,036)
2,394,346
Total
funds
2022
£
5,315
2,366,289
26,778
(4,036)
2,394,346

16. Related party transactions

During the year cash donations were received of £75,893 (2022: £240,000) from related parties.

Page 22